No, not gray velvet – 7 outdated '00s interior design trends making a comeback in 2025

The early 2000s heralded the era of a futuristic aesthetic. All around the United States, interior designers were boldly embracing over-the-top home decor trends, such as bold metallics, color-drenched schemes, Nancy Meyers kitchens, open-planing living and curvaceous furniture, into their latest projects, and we were lapping it all up.

So why are we suddenly returning to Y2K interior design trends? Many see the resurgence of the '00s aesthetic as a response to an oversaturation of clinical design, mass production of furniture, and non-color room ideas. In short, the looks from this futuristic, feminine decade offer a welcome departure from the stark minimalist aesthetic that has been so popular as of late.

Here, I talk through my current favorite decorating trends for 2025, taking inspiration from the 2000s – the decade we threw the rulebook out of the window.

The new way to do early 2000s interior design trends

There are a few nostalgic trends that have faded from memory, but like most decor trends, there are some that have come full circle and are now more popular than ever. In fact, many of this year's most prolific trends draw inspiration from the past – the early 2000s to be precise. I am sure most of you will remember this decor like it was yesterday.

1. Gallery walls

In the early 2000s, you couldn't enter a home without seeing a gallery wall in an entrance, stairway, or living room. However, these gallery and photo walls were not particularly aesthetic. They usually consisted of simple black frames, all uniform, and all rather generic and mass-produced. Fast forward 20 years and gallery wall ideas have never been so effortless, and beautiful.

In my opinion, no home is complete without at least one gallery wall. Curate your own gallery wall by hanging artwork together as a cluster. Decide which paintings, prints, or fabric will anchor the scheme then take your decorating cues from them. In Elizabeth Hay's home, as seen above, the designer uses a mix of inherited heirlooms, art gathered from her travels, and her own pieces to create a unique look. After all, your gallery wall should be something visually pleasing to you.

Affordable art fairs, where modern masters sell for under $1,000, are thriving, so creating your very own gallery wall at home couldn’t be easier, or cheaper.

2. Open shelving

From hiding away everything in the '90s to suddenly having everything open and on display in the '00s was quite a change for many. This was the decade when open-plan shelving and open-concept living became the new way of life for homeowners up and down the country. Despite the rise of broken-plan living, open-shelving has never been more popular.

Not everything needs to be hidden away when it comes to storage – in fact decorative solutions can make a huge difference to your look and feel.

A cluster of simple floating shelves works particularly well in a kitchen, where there may be a fair amount of closer cabinetry taking up space along the walls. They add an element of interest that draws the eye, all while helping to keep countertops clear. It's best to mount open shelving just above eye level and within easy reach if you intend for the shelves to hold day-to-day items, such as plates and cups.

For a stylized look, stack collections of your favorite crockery, line up fresh herbs and incorporate small pieces of art along a run of open shelving.

3. Red walls

Red walls took over the early '00s faster than anyone could actually stop to ask 'why?' But controversially, I still love this room color idea. Decorating with red is having a very welcome renaissance for 2025.

A shade that takes no prisoners, red is energizing, invigorating, and the color of action. For 2025, it's time to rip up the minimalist rule book as red stages a comeback. Red can transform interiors, adding a sophisticated to playful aesthetic. One of the most passionate and life-enhancing colors to use in a decorating scheme, red offers a luxurious bank of positive energy.

‘When using red in a color scheme, it’s best to choose shades that are rich and warm rather than loud and insistent. Maroon, burgundy and rosehip work brilliantly with shades of green, while deep pinky-reds are very adaptable and blend well with khaki or stone. Dark reds pair best with gold metallic touches and carry a degree of heritage, especially when mixed with dark wood,’ says Simon Temprell, head of interior design at Neptune.

4. Statement rugs

After a decade of stark minimalism and 'less is more' – loud, pattern-filled rugs became big news in the '00s. For this, I am grateful. A good rug can add so much depth and dimension to a room.

A rug can kick-start a decorating scheme or complement what you already own. It never fails to complete a room, anchoring various elements of the space as well as injecting color, pattern, texture and all-important comfort underfoot. 'On a practical note, rugs protect the carpet or hardwood flooring in high-traffic areas and help to define or separate zones in an open-plan space, says interior designer Mel Massey. Use them to create variety.

Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors believes that rugs – especially colorful and antique ones – can transform a room. ‘I love using them in all rooms, including the living room and family rooms. They instantly ground a room adding instant color, pattern, and interest.’

Rugs also have the benefit of being transportable – unlike tiles or parquet floors – so look at them as investment pieces. ‘In my experience, the biggest regret from clients when choosing a rug is not going bold enough or big enough,’ says bespoke rug designer Amy Kent. ‘Nothing ever looks as bold as you think it’s going to so it’s always better to err on the side of risk rather than being sensible.’

5. Nancy Meyers

The 1990s might have been the era of the rom-com, but it was only really in the 2000s that the Nancy Meyers aesthetic reached our homes. The characters, iconic fashion, and swoon-worthy love stories are still hard to top, and they always deliver a healthy dose of nostalgia – another prominent trend for 2025.

So what is the Nancy Meyers aesthetic? Defined by understated patterns, a neutral (yet playful) color scheme, and vintage details, the rom-com trend is oh-so-adorable.

Easy to replicate in your own space and made to last, this lived-in look is gaining momentum on social media. 'Nancy Meyers is known for her warm, inviting, homey interiors that always feel clean but never feel sterile,' explains Interior designer, Shelley Cekirge. 'She achieves the perfect balance of comfort and elegance and always creates the illusion that a space is fully lived in but also well taken care of.'

'To infuse your home with the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, aim for a blend of visual elegance and welcoming warmth, channeling the sophisticated yet lived-in look characteristic of her film sets. Begin with a palette of soft neutrals – whites, beiges, and soft grays – to set a classic, timeless base,' explains designer Kriste Michelini.

'Add personal touches through unique, story-telling items such as vintage flea market finds and family heirlooms. Accessorize with elegance, incorporating tasteful lamps, vases, and books, and add greenery and fresh flowers for a touch of nature,' adds Kriste.

6. Sage green kitchen

The color green never really went away. From avocado green bathroom suites in the '70s to malachite and emerald in the '80s, green will always remain a perennial favorite. However, the sage green kitchen cabinetry of the late '90s and early '00s will forever be my first love.

Uplifting and restorative, this nature-inspired shade of green has its herbal origin to thank for its soothing properties, making it the perfect choice for a restful room scheme.

'In color psychology, green represents life, growth, renewal and the environment,' says interior designer Mel Massey. 'It can be earthy and warm or cool and silvery, but it's always more pleasing than challenging.' It is a comfort to many in times of uncertainty.

The color also acts as an effective bridge between outdoors and inside when used in threshold spaces as well as kitchen cabinetry. Our need for a little tranquility in our busy lives means we will always have a special place in our hearts for the calming and therapeutic quality of sage green.

7. Metallics

Shiny, shimmering metallic colors such as chrome and silver were everywhere, but this time, we will be decorating with a new metallic – gold.

One of the most uplifting colors, decorating with gold is sure to lift your spirits and it is perhaps not surprising that this joyful option is experiencing a modern renaissance for 2025.

‘Luxurious gold brings in a touch of warmth and optimism to a room, perfect for bringing a sense of positivity into the home,’ says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘The color creates a sense of calm with a feeling of restfulness and well-being.’

From subtle flecks of gold detailing to full-on gold walls and gold pieces of furniture, such as the side table above, metallic gold brings warmth and radiance to every surface it touches. Along with its mood-enhancing qualities, gold is a highly versatile color that can be paired with many other shades to make a home look expensive and rich.